It’s a story that blends humor, heart, and handlebars—with deep Lowell roots. A story about love, trust, and tandem biking—and how two longtime Lowell-connected folks are riding through midlife on a bicycle built for two.

From August 8–10, the Eastern Tandem Rally rolls into Devens, bringing 150 two-person cycling teams from across New England and beyond.

You’ll see pairs of riders gliding through Groton, Ayer, Pepperell, Shirley, and other nearby towns in joyful, perfectly paired motion. It’s quirky. It’s colorful. And it’s packed with relationship metaphors just begging to be unpacked.

Among the participants are Lowell native Szifra (Shifra) Birke and her husband Jay Livingston, co-authors of In Tandem: Pedaling Through Midlife on a Bicycle Built for Two.

Their memoir explores how riding one bike together helped them navigate love, connection and life’s inevitable potholes.

Szifra is no stranger to Lowell audiences. She hosted the cable show Shrink Rap for 20 years and co-produced the documentary Browsing Through Birke’s, about her immigrant parents’ quirky clothing store on Market Street. She also shared the story of how she got her name on WGBH (lots of Lowell in her name story).

Jay, a retired dog behaviorist, was featured on NOVA and now captains their tandem bike. Together, they’ve been called hilarious, heartfelt, and “engaging, even on purpose.”

The Eastern Tandem Rally also brings in amazing voices from across New England, couples who swear by shared hills, laughter and the joyful discovery of a well-timed porta potty.

Among the cyclists are the founders of NEWTS (New England Wicked Tandem Society), a sighted captain and blind stoker team and a team who swaps Captain/Stoker roles, which is highly unusual

Tandem – at home, on the road, and in life. Lowell shaped Szifra Birke’s voice, her values, and her sense of humor. And it shows up in every ride.

(click here to learn more and to purchase the book)